Safety is an absolute requirement for successful schools. Children can only thrive and make the most out of the educational opportunities available to them if their environment and personal safety are secure. This pre-condition for education is so fundamental that it is written into our education code as the Safe Place to Learn Act (Section 234-234.3 of the California Education Code). A hard reality for school communities, but one that we must face up to and and address more vigorously, is that violence does occur in our schools, just like it does elsewhere in our society. We have no choice then but to work harder to prevent student crime before it happens and when it does occur, to address it honestly and openly, making especially sure to prioritize the support of student victims.

Unfortunately, the attainment of student safety and how we deal with breaches of